Yin Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Corpse (shī) Kangxi Strokes: 5 Page 300, Entry 03 Broad Rimes (Guangyun), Collection Rimes (Jiyun), and Dictionary of Rimes (Yunhui) define it as pronounced ni. In the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it is defined as someone following from behind and drawing near. It is composed of the radical for corpse, with the element for spoon acting as a phonetic indicator. Xu Kai states that it carries the meaning of being intimate. According to the Broad Rimes (Guangyun), it also means to be harmonious. It is also found in the name of the master, Confucius, styled Zhongni. The School Sayings of Confucius (Jiayu) records that the Yan clan prayed at Ni Hill, and Confucius was born; thus, his style name became Zhongni. Ni Hill is the name of a mountain. It also refers to a Buddhist nun. According to Buddhist scriptures, there are bhikshuni. According to the Collection Rimes (Jiyun) and Classified Chapters (Leipian), it is also pronounced ni (falling tone). According to the Dictionary of Rimes (Yunhui) and Correct Rimes (Zhengyun), it is also pronounced ni (falling tone). The Commentary on the Erga: Explanation of Glosses (Erya Shigu Zhu) states that ni means to be near. It cites the Master Shi (Shizi), saying, Those who are delighted come near, and those who are far come. Kong Yingda says that ni means to be near, and it is interchangeably written as the character for intimate (ni). According to the Five Sounds Collection Rimes (Wuyin Jiyun), it is also pronounced ni (rising tone). The Erya: Explanation of Glosses (Erya Shigu) states that ni means to be settled. The commentary states that it means to stop; to stop is also to be settled. In the Mencius, it says, If someone stops you. It is currently read as ni (falling tone), with the same meaning. Ni is like being dragged or held back. It is also written as a variant form (ni).